Statewide fire alert in effect

With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates issued a statewide Fire Alert Monday, April 13.
 Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.
 In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.
 “With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests, but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”
The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, April 9, showed almost all of Winston County in a moderate drought, with the exception of the extremes southern portion of the county, which was listed as abnormally dry.  
The northern two-thirds of Marion County was listed as being in moderate drought, with the majority of the lower third of the county listed as abnormally dry.  The portion of Marion County bordering Fayette County is not experiencing drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.  A new report will be issued tomorrow, Thursday, April 16.
 This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the state forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. 
Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to certified prescribed burn managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
  For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov